Belmont Stakes Coverage

Birdstone, a longshot at 38 - 1, upset the Triple Crown bid of Smarty Jones in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday. The three-year-old bay colt by Grindstone, who won the 1996 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), was coming off two dismal performances. He had most recently been eighth in the Kentucky Derby and fifth in the Lanes End Stakes.

Smarty Jones, the heavy favorite in a field of nine, finished second by a length. He had the lead until mid stretch, when Birdstone boldly pulled past him en route to victory. Smarty Jones finished second and Birdstone's stablemate Royal Assault finished third.

Nick Zito trains Birdstone, a colt owned by Marylou Whitney, who was in tears in the winner's circle due to spoiling the Triple Crown bid. Even jockey Edgar Prado was apologetic, according to BloodHorse, he said, "I'm very sorry but I had to do my job. This is part of the business."

Nick Zito, who has had an emotionally trying spring, finally captured the Belmont, which to him is as important as the Kentucky Derby, being a native New Yorker. He has always had faith in Birdstone, who last year won the Champagne Stakes (gr. I) over the same track. Since then, Birdstone's only win was an allowance race at Gulfstream Park in the winter. However, the small colt was the winter book favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

Birdstone is a brother to 2003 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Acorn Stakes (gr. I) winner Bird Town. His dam, Dear Birdie, has a two year old son by Pioneering who was recently claimed at Hollywood Park from a maiden race, and a yearling son by Silver Charm.

Island Sand Wins the Acorn Stakes (gr. I)
By Emily Hufford

Island Sand, a three-year-old filly by Tabasco Cat, shocked many when she finished second to Ashado in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs, but she proved that finish was no fluke on Friday afternoon at Belmont Park. The impressive looking bay made a move on the far turn in the mile-long race for fillies and took the lead from pacesetter Bohemian Lady to run to her fourth win in eight starts.

Island Sand is trained by Larry Jones and owned by James Osborne. She was ridden in the Acorn by Terry Thompson and paid $10 to win.